Yesterday, about the time I posted the post, word came down that Gronk was suspended for one game. Kind of figured that would be it, okay. Brady is good enough to not have him and still win. He’ll be back just in time to be ticked off when they play the Steelers in Week 15.

But, the game last night pitting the Steelers against our hated rivals the Cincinnati Bengals (or Bungles as I call them) was a doozie. First, in a freak accident and not really any one’s fault, Ryan Shazier, the Steelers defensive leader jammed his neck making a tackle (from behind) and ended up with a spinal “contusion.” They carted him off the field and took him, by ambulance, to the hospital. He’s still there today and probably until tomorrow as they are doing more tests and evaluating him.

The Steelers and Bungles have a violent past, especially recently, and especially because of Vontaze Burfict. He’s a dirty player on the level of Ndamukong Suh. The Bungles also have Adam “Pacman” Jones who is at times a dirty player. He’s certainly an instigator. During the playoffs in 2015, Burfict took aim at Steelers star receiver Antonio Brown and put him out of the game. It was malicious and intended. Burfict was then suspended for the first three games of 2016. That just adds to the dangerous mystique of the rivalry.

Last night, when Le’Veon Bell was catching a pass and making a Steelers first down, Steelers rookie sensation Juju Smith-Shuster made a peelback block (where the player goes back toward his own end zone and makes a blindside block on a “defenseless” defensive player – I know there’s a better definition of that, but that’s what I got) on Burfict and it nearly knocked him out. Okay, so, I have to admit a part of me thought that was pretty bad-arsed. But, truly, I don’t want anyone hurt like that. The worst part of it wasn’t that he made the hit. The worst part was afterward when he stepped over Burfict, straddled him and looked at him like he’d just proven a point. That’s called taunting and is not good. Any other time I’d probably be okay with it, but this is after Shazier went down and the whole team was down and jittery. Good block but unnecessarily violent and absolutely ridiculous on the taunt. Now, I admire and am fond of the fire the kid has but you could really tell, by the look on his face, that he felt bad for it afterward. But, in the moment? Nah.

Later in the game, as Antonio Brown made his tie-setting TD catch, Bungles DB George Iloka squares up and delivers a helmet-to-helmet shot to Brown but Brown held on. The Steelers went on to win the game 23-20, staying atop the playoff picture leading into two important games. The Ratbirds (Ravens) come to town next week (when both Gronk and Juju are both suspended) and then the Patriots come in the following week. So, it’s important the guys in black and yellow keep their heads and buckle down! Hopefully, Ryan Shazier isn’t lost for the rest of the season. Really, as much as I don’t like a lot of teams and players, I don’t want them hurt like that, especially not from a Steeler’s moment of mental weakness. So, all of you stop making stupid mistakes and just play the game. Be safe, y’all! Thanks for indulging my sports rants two days in a row!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“You are suspended for the dangerous and unsportsmanlike acts you committed during the fourth quarter of last night’s game. Specifically, with 7:10 remaining, on a passing play to a running back, you lined up a defender and delivered a violent and unnecessary blindside shot to his head and neck area. You then ‘celebrated’ the play by standing over him and taunting him. The contact you made with your opponent placed the opposing player at risk of serious injury and could have been avoided. Your conduct following the hit fell far below the high standards of sportsmanship expected of an NFL player.” – Jon Runyan, NFL Vice President of Football Operations to Juju Smith-Shuster

So, I’m releasing no secret in saying that the New England Patriots are one of my most hated NFL teams. They share that spot with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens (the Cincinnati Bengals are just a hair behind that). There are many reasons for this. The biggest being Tom Brady. Next, comes Rob Gronkowski and Bill Belichik.

In this Sunday’s game, Gronk was unhappy that there was no pass interference called (and it was pass interference) on a pass in the middle of the game. He’d been called for a few things (all through the season) and, to my understanding (which I know can be incorrect), he’s one of the most penalized TEs in the league. So, when the call isn’t called for him, and after the play, he takes a running start and throws his shoulder directly into the back of Tre’Davious White’s skull. So, White was hit in the back and the front of his helmet was driven into the ground. He was visibly shaken and we found out he entered the concussion protocol. With the concussion epidemic that the league is going through right now, we shouldn’t take any of that as “light.”

Now, he said that he lost his cool and apologized. Okay. But, still, you hit someone while driving under the influence, you can apologize but you shouldn’t just get off scot-free. I’m not saying that I believe he should be suspended just because he’s Gronk and plays on that awful team. I’m not even saying that I think he needs to be suspended, but if you look at what recent suspensions have come from, fights, cheap shots, etc., then you have to at least consider it. Also, if Tre’Davious White misses any time in the concussion protocol, then Gronk needs to be out as long as he is. He didn’t deserve to be put out. It wasn’t a regular play that did it, it was maliciousness. I mean he rared back and launched. Now, if White misses no time, does he still need to be suspended? It’s not for me to say, but, if they want to keep him out Week 15, that would be great. I kid about that part, but seriously, any suspension is up to Goodell and Co. I know he’ll get fined, if not then they’re showing some serious favoritism.

Also, did anyone see the whiney-baby tantrum that Brady threw on the sideline against Josh McDaniel? Instead of a mouth guard, he needs a pacifier. Ahole! That’s inconsequential just wanted to throw it in. What are your thoughts on Gronk? Suspension? Fine? Both? Talk to me, Dear Reader.

I have talked about being a life-long Steelers fan many times, including just this past week. Divisionally, I have always been a “hater” of, and in order: Ravens, Browns and then Bengals. This entire season, though, my hatred has shifted. On that list you can move the Bengals to the top of that list. They’re just filthy players (at least on defense). All this is especially true after last night’s Wild Card playoff game.

Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones have always been the “goons” of their team. Goon (in hockey, and yes I know this is football, but it’s the same concept) is defined as someone “that is always pushing people into the walls and ALWAYS starting the fights.” Not counting the sack on Big Ben by Burfict, which was a legal play (if not unnecessarily rough), almost every play either of them was involved in was a moment of contentious controversy. None more prominent than two plays, back-to-back, that led to the Steelers pulling off the victory, which we should have won anyway, had we not had a all-too-normal lapse in defense. The first play was Burfict lowering his head and causing Antonio Brown a concussion; a penalty for fifteen yards. During the scrum after that, “Pac-Man” (he hates being called that) Jones then proceeded to attempt to punch Steelers linebacker coach (and former player), Joey Porter. Now, I’ll admit that Porter had no business being out there and probably said something to provoke Pac-Man but Pac-Man attacked him. Cursing at him, whatever, would have been better for him, as that cost them another fifteen yards. Thirty yards on one play. That put us in field goal range with only eighteen seconds left on the clock. We won on that. Fine. Great. Yay!

That’s warriors battling on the field, I get it. What disgusted me the most was the crowd in Cincinnati. I get that fans are fired up and this is playoff football, but when they cheer when your player is basically knocked out and you can hear one person yelling, “I hope he’s dead!” that’s a bit much. When Big Ben was being carted off the field, fans were throwing things at him while he sat on the cart, passing by. They threw things onto the field when things didn’t go their way. It reminds me of the Chargers/Giants game from 1995 in the Meadowlands where the fans pummeled the field with snowballs, hitting a Chargers sideline official in the face causing him to collapse. Luckily, it didn’t come to that, but it was coming to something. I can compare it to almost any Philadelphia Eagles game from Veteran’s Stadium, especially when Michael Irving went down and what most likely led to his retirement. I’ll admit, I couldn’t stand him and did cheer when he went down, but soon changed my tune as I don’t like seeing careers or livelihoods ended like that. Regardless my feelings, he was a great receiver and hall of famer, he didn’t deserve that.

Cincinnati people, I’m sure are great people, but the Bengal’s fans. You, as a group, are awful and classless. I understand that Steelers fans can get under everyone’s skin. We’re proud of our team and we rub people the wrong way, but it’s always words and in spirit of our team pride. I’m not saying Steelers fans have never thrown anything at anyone on the field, but I can’t recall ever seeing or hearing of this happening. So, from here on out, whilst I still can’t stand the Ravens or Browns, Bengals are now enemy #1. And, I don’t mind gloating your demise last night. Nanny nanny boo boo! Sorry this wasn’t so “silent.”

Well, the Steelers are playing the Bengals (for the third time this year) in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs, this Saturday. The first meeting, on November 1, between the teams left our star running back Le’Veon Bell out for the season with injuries to his MCL/PCL. Tackled by Vontaze Burfict, his leg got caught up under his body. Burfict then gets up and dances in celebration. I thought that quite crappy but willing to give him the benefit of the doubt of knowing not that Bell had gotten hurt. Then he boasted about it afterwards, showed no remorse and was generally just an arse about it. The Steelers lost that game, at home.

The second meeting, Week 14 (December 13), there were several incidents on the field by players from both teams, including Antonio Brown, who is generally all smiles and fun-loving. There were many altercations between him and CB Dre Kirkpatrick and Burfict. This was the culmination of a lot of Twitter chatter, especially from Burfict, slinging insults and mud. There was a scuffle during pre-game warm ups. I was yelling at the TV wanting Brown to stop before he got disqualified (ejected from the game). There were several personal foul calls and penalties but not ejections. I was wondering how long before the refs regained control of the game. It didn’t happen. The Steelers won that game, in Cincy.

This was before the Carolina/NY Giants game and that fiasco in officiating between Beckham and Norman, but I remember thinking to myself, why aren’t the refs doing more!? They need to keep control of the game, of the players. Order is very important. Those fights have no place in the game. I like the violent aspect of the game but fighting is not the way to go. The bad news is, word came down that the officiating team for this weekend’s Wild Card game is the same officiating team that reffed that last game that got so out of hand. I don’t know what the NFL is thinking there. This game is too important to all persons involved. The safety of the players is also paramount. They need to keep their cool and play smart. Whoever loses this game goes home as it’s a playoff game. Whoever wins goes on to the next round. If the Steelers win, they will play Denver.

If Cincy wins, they’ll play New England. Cincy has been to the big game twice, both times losing to the San Francisco 49ers. They’re looking to get back for the first time since the 1988-1989 season. Incidentally, that Super Bowl, XXIII (January 22, 1989), was the day I had my appendix removed (actually it was January 23 at 2:30ish in the morning) and I remember watching it, wincing in pain. My Steelers, on the other hand, they’re working on their “Stairway to Seven.” It would be awesome to see Big Ben and Coach Tomlin hoisting the Lombardi Trophy one more time. That game is happening at 8:15 on Saturday night. So I’ll be wearing my black and gold and we’ll be in good shape. Hopefully, I don’t have to put anything through the television, which as long as it’s a good game, I’m okay with, but I still want my Steelers to win. Here we go Steelers! Here we go!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—““As you well know, there is no better time to be playing football than during our playoffs. As we work together, we will continue striving to represent the NFL’s key values — respect, resiliency, integrity and responsibility to team. Your team is competing as one of the best in the world at what you do. With the nation and fans around the world watching, we are reminded of the responsibility we share to demonstrate the highest standards of sportsmanship and respect for the game, each other, the officials and the fans. Emotions will run high, but no emotion should give way to demeaning or offensive words or actions. Our rules prohibiting fighting, illegal hits, and abusive language will be strictly enforced.” – Memo from NFL Offices to all NFL Playoff teams

How do you like the new look? Trying to make it easier on the eyes while keeping a bit to my dark nature. Woo hoo and all that!

So, this weekend wasn’t made for me, obviously. There were four football games, playoff games, mind you, this weekend and I incorrectly picked three of them. I say incorrectly but only two of them did I really care about.

The Carolina Panthers won against the Arizona Cardinals and I don’t care at all. I got into a small debate as to why I would pick some other team over the local darlings, Carolina Panthers, but really, they’re no darlings and I don’t feel anyone should be forced to pull for a team because they’re “local.” I’m not local, even though I’ve lived here for almost 29 years. I am local when it comes to Winston-Salem and business and history, but I have a long history of my favorite sports teams and although I don’t necessarily pull against the Panthers, I don’t don’t necessarily pull for them either.

I’ve discussed, yesterday actually, my Steelers losing and truthfully, they didn’t deserve to win against the Ratbirds. So I won’t go into that one, again.

Then yesterday it was the Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts during the early game. Again, I don’t care. The Bungles are in the AFC North with my beloved Steelers and are who we beat to get the AFC North Championship, but I can’t stand looking at Andrew Luck and his horse-toothed face. Neither team has any chance to beat either the Ratriots or Broncos when they’re at home, so it’s all for naught. The Dolts won, by the way.

2014-15 Playoff Rd 1

Then came the other travesty, the seemingly obvious payoff of the officials by one of the two worst owners in the NFL, Jerry Jones (the other being Daniel Snyder of the Redskins). The Detroit Lions had the game in their grasp and had a drive extended by a blatant pass interference call against the Dallas Cowboys (hereon called Cowpiles or just Piles). It was actually called!!! And both teams moved down to where it was called. Then, inexplicably, it was called off. You can not throw in a “j/k!” whenever you want. If you call it, announce it and move the ball, you can’t just call it off! Anywhat! The Piles “stopped” them and then went down to score and take the lead. Baloney! The Piles are one of the three teams I hate the most (the other two are the Ratbirds and Ratriots), all of whom are still in the playoffs.

Here’s hoping that next week’s games go more my way. Who do I pull for in the Ratriots/Ratbirds game? I have no clue. How about the Denver/Dolts game? Denver, as I like Peyton Manning, but I don’t like the team. *Sigh*

The NFC side is easier for me to pull for. I like Seattle, a lot. I have a childhood tie to a significant, former player and I have always pulled for them, to some extent when they aren’t playing my Steelers. So I will pull for them against the Panthers. I don’t like Green Bay but dislike (read: hate) the Piles even more, so I’ll pull for GB in this one. So I guess I’m going for a Sea/GB matchup for the NFC Championship, which I want Seattle to win. Go ‘Hawks!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—“Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.”– Vince Lombardi

Ok, I’m a Steelers fan. A life-long Steelers fan, actually. But, I love football in general. NFL footall, that is. I’m just getting into Soccer but I’m not talking about that right now. This is FOOTBALL!

I’m sitting here watching the Cleveland Browns v. Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams are rivals of my beloved Steelers. The point I’m going to make actually has nothing to do with the game itself but my least favorite announcer, Phil Simms (who is calling this game). I never cared for him as a player. I respected him, but didn’t care for him. I dislike him greatly as an announcer. Why? Well, there’s several reasons. Shall I elaborate? Ok

Phil Simms (photo by CBS Sports)

Phil Simms? (Photo by therionorteline)

One, he’s just not very good. He and his broadcast partner, Jim Nantz, are the “A Team” for CBS’ roster. That’s not saying much for CBS’ other announcers, really. Well, they also have Dan Fouts, who I only liked in Waterboy with Adam Sandler, but I digress. Neither Nantz nor Simms are top-notch. It’s like listening to John Madden talk twice as much and non-stop. John Madden was notorious for being an obvious observer. He know his stuff, but almost everything was the most mindless drivel. Simms, the “color” commentator, starts filling every speck of time that Nantz isn’t talking with knowledgeable, but needless info. He needs to back the hues of “color” back a few shades. I don’t need that much talk.

Another thing is that he has some vendetta against the Steelers. I don’t know why he does, but he does. He finds every opportunity to talk passive-aggressively and with disdain for the old Black and Gold. It doesn’t matter who they’re playing, the Steelers can do no right. There’s always a reason or something that they’re doing wrong. The other team can have 8 turnovers and he’ll praise them. Yet, he goes out of his way to talk trash about Pittsburgh. There was one game in 2011 that the Steelers were playing their arch rivals, Baltimore Ravens, and a fight broke out. Fights don’t just happen one-sided; there’s always two involved, at least. I can’t remember if we started it or they started it, but there was a fight and the Steelers were flagged. There was no recourse for the Ravens player and Simms actually cheered for that. Maybe it wasn’t as much the Ravens player, maybe it was.

Anywhat, I think he’s a piece of dung. Those are strong words, I know and I don’t normally talk like that on here. I really don’t like him, can you tell? I wish that CBS would stop putting him with Steelers games. But, he does a lot of them, so that must mean the Steelers are marquee enough. That’s cool with me. Just don’t like him.